National Dementia Strategy, New Delhi
A National Consultative Meeting of Experts on "National Dementia Strategy" was held at the Academy of Thirld World Auditorium, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 30th and 31st Jan. This was organized by the National Office and the Delhi Chapter of the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India in collaboration with Center for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia.
As explained by Dr. Roy, National Chairman ARDSI, in his presidential address of the inaugural session - The idea of a National Dementia Strategy was from a similar exercise done by the UK govt with help of British Alzheimer's Society, headed by Prof. S Banerjee. The aims include -
- Improve awareness
- Early diagnosis and intervention
- Improved quality of care
Towards these goals he sought contributions from stake holders, policy makers and professionals. The need and the opportunity for India which has the second largest elderly population in the world was quite evident. The constituency for consultation includes person with dementia, families, Ministry of Health, Social Justice, I & B, S & T, parliamentarians, NGOs, Service organizations, Medical & Legal Profession/Media, and corporate houses.
The anticipated outcomes include:
- Improved public/professional awareness resulting in better understanding
- Informed and Effective Workforce
- Early diagnosis and intervention
Plans to deliver the strategy include:
- Series of consultative meetings in different cities
- Final meeting in Delhi Dec 2009
- National office in Delhi
- Collect more research evidence
- Mobilize support from govt, foundations, service org, corporates, philanthropists.
